Key takeaways

  • Keytruda Qlex (pembrolizumab and berahydaluronidas alfa-pmph) is a prescription drug approved to treat different types of cancer, such as non-small cell lung cancer and head and neck cancer.
  • Keytruda Qlex comes as a liquid for injection. It is given by a healthcare provider.
  • Side effects of Keytruda Qlex may depend on whether it is being used by itself or in combination with other drugs. A few examples of side effects include fatigue, nausea, and pain in your muscles, joints, bones, or abdomen.

Specifically, Keytruda Qlex is used in adults to treat certain cancers, including certain types of:

In addition, Keytruda Qlex is approved for certain certain solid tumors and skin cancers in children ages 12 years and older.

To learn more about Keytruda Qlex’s uses, see the “Uses for Keytruda Qlex” section.

Keytruda Qlex basics

Keytruda Qlex contains the active ingredients pembrolizumab and berahyalurodinase alfa-pmph.

Keytruda Qlex is a biologic medication. A biologic is made from parts of living organisms. It’s available only as a brand-name drug. It isn’t available in a biosimilar form.

Biosimilars are like generic drugs. Just as generic drugs can be an alternative to brand-name medications, biosimilars are an effective alternative to biologics.

Biosimilars will have the same active ingredient core name as the brand-name drug, but with unique suffixes. This is why “-pmph” appears at the end of the name of the active ingredient. This is to show it’s distinct from biosimilars that may be created in the future.

Keytruda Qlex is used to treat numerous types of cancer in adults. It’s also prescribed for treating certain solid tumors and skin cancers in children age 12 years and older.

To learn more about certain cancers, visit our cancer hub.

Keytruda Qlex for skin cancers

Keytruda Qlex is approved to treat certain skin cancers, including:

Melanoma

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer which begins in skin cells called melanocytes. With melanoma, melanocytes grow and divide rapidly.

Keytruda Qlex is prescribed for adults with metastatic (has spread to other body areas) melanoma, or melanoma which cannot be removed through surgery.

In addition, the medication is prescribed to adults as well as children ages 12 years and older to lower the risk for stage IIB, IIC, or III melanoma returning after surgery to remove the cancer.

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC)

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is a skin cancer which develops in squamous skin cells – flat, thin cells which make up your outermost layer of skin.

Keytruda Qlex is prescribed for adults to treat cSCC that is metastatic (has spread to other body areas), has returned after prior treatment, or is locally advanced (has begun spreading out of the skin but has not reached other body areas) and cannot be treated using radiation or surgery.

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC)

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a type of skin cancer which affects your top layer of skin.

Keytruda Qlex is prescribed for adults, as well as children ages 12 years and older, to treat locally advanced (has begun spreading out of the skin but has not reached other body areas) or metastatic (has spread to other body areas) MCC that has come back after previous treatment.

Keytruda Qlex for non-small cell lung cancer

Keytruda Qlex is approved to treat non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the most common type of lung cancer, in adults.

Depending on specific features of the cancer, Keytruda Qlex may be prescribed alone or with other medications to treat NSCLC.

Keytruda Qlex alone for NSCLC

Keytruda Qlex is prescribed alone to treat NSCLC in the following situations:

  • as a first treatment for treat adults with NSCLC when a test shows the tumor expresses a protein called PD-L1, but does not have changes to EGFR or ALK genes, and the cancer
    • is metastatic, or
    • is Stage III and cannot be treated using surgery or a combination of chemotherapy and radiation
  • to adults for treating NSCLC which is metastatic (has spread to other body areas), expresses the PD-L1 protein (based on results of a test), and has worsened during or after treatment with platinum-based chemotherapy
  • to adults to help prevent the cancer from returning, when the tumor is Stage Ib, II, or IIIA and has already been treated using surgery and platinum-based chemotherapy

Note: Your oncologist can provide more information on the test for PD-L1 protein they’ll use to determine if Keytruda Qlex is an appropriate treatment for you.

Keytruda Qlex in combination with other medications for NSCLC

Keytruda Qlex is prescribed in combination with other medications to treat NSCLC in the following situations:

  • in combination with pemetrexed and platinum-based chemotherapy, as a first treatment when the NSCLC is nonsquamous, metastatic (has spread to other body areas) and does not have changes to EGFR or ALK genes
  • in combination with carboplatin and paclitaxel, as a first treatment for metastatic squamous NSCLC
  • in combination with platinum-based chemotherapy as a treatment to stop the cancer from spreading before surgery, then continued on its own without chemotherapy to help lower the risk for the cancer coming back after surgery

Keytruda Qlex for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC)

Keytruda Qlex is approved to treat triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) in adults. TNBC is a rare type of breast cancer which can be difficult to treat. “Triple-negative” means the cancer cells test negative for estrogen, progesterone, and HER2 receptors (a type of protein).

Keytruda Qlex is prescribed for TNBC:

  • in combination with chemotherapy before surgery to remove TNBC that is early-stage and high-risk, then continued on its own to lower the risk that the cancer returns following surgery
  • in combination with chemotherapy, to treat TNBC that expresses the PD-L1 protein as determined by a test, and has come back after previous treatment and cannot be removed by surgery, or is metastatic (has spread to other body areas)

Note: Your oncologist can provide more information on the test for PD-L1 protein they’ll use to determine if Keytruda Qlex is an appropriate treatment for you.

Keytruda Qlex for cervical cancer

Keytruda Qlex is approved to treat cervical cancer in adults. Cervical cancer begins in the cervix, and often doesn’t cause symptoms during its early stages.

Depending on specific features of the cancer, Keytruda Qlex may be prescribed alone or with other medications to treat cervical cancer.

Keytruda Qlex alone for cervical cancer

Keytruda Qlex is prescribed alone for treating cervical cancer that is recurrent (returned despite previous treatment) or metastatic (has spread to other body areas), has worsened during or after chemotherapy, and expresses the PD-L1 protein as determined by a test.

Note: Your oncologist can provide more information on the test for PD-L1 protein they’ll use to determine if Keytruda Qlex is an appropriate treatment for you.

Keytruda Qlex in combination with other medications for cervical cancer

Keytruda Qlex is prescribed in combination with other medications to treat cervical cancer in the following situations:

  • in combination with radiation and chemotherapy, to treat cervical cancer which has spread to the vagina or other pelvic organs, or has spread to the kidneys
  • in combination with chemotherapy, and with or without the drug bevacizumab (Avastin), to treat cervical cancer that is recurrent or metastatic and expresses the PD-L1 protein as determined by a test.

Note: Your oncologist can provide more information on the test for PD-L1 protein they’ll use to determine if Keytruda Qlex is an appropriate treatment for you.

Keytruda Qlex for renal (kidney) cell cancer

Keytruda Qlex is approved to treat renal (kidney) cell cancer in adults. Renal cell cancer is the most common type of kidney cancer, and happens when cancer cells in the lining of the kidney tubules begin dividing and spreading uncontrollably.

Depending on specific features of the cancer, Keytruda Qlex may be prescribed alone or with other medications to treat renal cell cancer.

Keytruda Qlex alone for renal cell cancer

Keytruda Qlex is prescribed alone to help lower the risk for renal cell cancer considered intermediate- or high-risk for returning following surgery to remove the tumor or at least part of the kidney.

Keytruda Qlex in combination with other medications for renal cell cancer

Keytruda Qlex is prescribed in combination with other medications for treating renal cell cancer in the following situations:

  • in combination with the drug axitinib (Inlyta), as a first treatment for adults with advanced renal cell cancer
  • in combination with the drug lenvatinib (Lenvima), as a first treatment for adults with advanced renal cell cancer

Keytruda Qlex for hepatocellular carcinoma

Keytruda Qlex is approved to treat hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common type of liver cancer, in adults. Certain health conditions, such as chronic viral hepatitis or cirrhosis, can increase the risk for developing HCC.

Specifically, Keytruda Qlex is approved to treat hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) related to hepatitis B after the cancer has been treated using another whole-body therapy besides certain checkpoint inhibitors, such as the drugs nivolumab (Opdivo) or atezolizumab (Tecentriq).

Keytruda Qlex for pleural mesothelioma

Keytruda Qlex is approved to treat pleural mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma affects the mesothelium, which is a protective membrane found around your abdomen, heart, and lungs. With pleural mesothelioma, the cancer affects cells within the lining of your lungs, which are called “pleura”.

Specifically, Keytruda Qlex is prescribed together with pemetrexed and platinum-based chemotherapy as a first treatment for adults with pleural mesothelioma that is advanced and unable to be removed through surgery, or is metastatic (has spread to other body areas).

Keytruda Qlex for urothelial carcinoma

Keytruda Qlex is approved to treat urothelial caricinoma (a type of bladder cancer which starts in the inner lining of the bladder) in adults.

Depending on specific features of the cancer, Keytruda Qlex may be prescribed alone or with other medications to treat urothelial carcinoma.

Keytruda Qlex alone for urothelial carcinoma

Keytruda Qlex is prescribed alone for locally advanced (has begun spreading outside the bladder but has not reached other body areas) or metastatic (has spread to other body areas) urothelial carcinoma in adults in the following situations:

  • when the cancer cannot be treated using platinum-based chemotherapy, or
  • when the cancer has worsened or returned during or after treatment with platinum-based chemotherapy, or
  • when the cancer has worsened or returned within 12 months following treatment with surgery and platinum-based chemotherapy
  • when the cancer:
    • is considered high-risk for spreading, but has not spread to nearby muscle tissue in the bladder
    • did not respond or improve following Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) treatment
    • will not be treated surgically by removing the bladder

Keytruda Qlex in combination with other medications for urothelial carcinoma

Keytruda Qlex is prescribed in combination with the drug enfortumab vedotin (Padcev) to adults for treating urothelial carcinoma that is either locally advanced (has begun spreading outside the bladder but has not reached other body areas) or metastatic (has spread to other body areas).

Keytruda Qlex for endometrial cancer

Keytruda Qlex is approved to treat endometrial cancer in adults. Endometrial cancer develops in the endometrium, which is the lining of the uterus. It’s caused by uterine cells growing and dividing uncontrollably.

Depending on specific features of the cancer, Keytruda Qlex may be prescribed alone or with other medications to treat endometrial cancer.

Keytruda Qlex alone for endometrial cancer

Keytruda Qlex is prescribed alone to adults for treating endometrial cancer that:

  • has certain genetic features, as determined by a test your oncologist will order
  • has worsened despite previous whole-body (systemic) treatment, and
  • cannot be treated using surgery or radiation

Note: Your oncologist can provide more information on the test they’ll use to determine if Keytruda Qlex is an appropriate treatment for you.

Keytruda Qlex in combination with other medications for endometrial cancer

Keytruda Qlex is prescribed in combination with other medications for endometrial cancer in the following situations:

  • in combination with the medications carboplatin and paclitaxel, followed by Keytruda Qlex prescribed on its own, to treat advanced or recurrent (returned after previous treatment) endometrial cancer.
  • in combination with the medication lenvatinib, to treat endometrial cancer with certain genetic features as determined by a test that has worsened despite previous whole-body (systemic) treatment and cannot be treated using surgery or radiation.

Note: Certain genetic changes make the cancer more susceptible to treatment with Keytruda Qlex. Your oncologist can provide more information on the test they’ll use to determine if Keytruda Qlex is an appropriate treatment for you.

Keytruda Qlex for head and neck cancer

Keytruda Qlex is approved to treat head and neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC) in adults. As the name implies, these cancers begin in cells found in your head and neck. Keytruda Qlex is prescribed to treat head and neck cancers that begin in squamous cells, which are cells found lining mucous membranes.

Depending on specific features of the cancer, Keytruda Qlex may be prescribed alone or with other medications to treat HNSCC.

Keytruda Qlex alone for HNSCC

Keytruda Qlex is prescribed alone to adults for treating HNSCC in the following situations:

  • as a first treatment for HNSCC that is metastatic (has spread to other body areas) or unresectable (cannot be removed through surgery), recurrent (has returned after previous treatment), and tests positive for the PD-L1 protein
  • to treat metastatic or recurrent HNSCC that has worsened during or after platinum-based chemotherapy

Note: Your oncologist can provide more information on the test for PD-L1 protein they’ll use to determine if Keytruda Qlex is an appropriate treatment for you.

Keytruda Qlex in combination with other medications for HNSCC

Keytruda Qlex is prescribed in combination with other medications to treat HNSCC in adults in the following situations:

  • in combination with platinum-based chemotherapy and the drug fluorouracil, as a first treatment for metastatic (has spread to other body areas) or unresectable (cannot be removed through surgery) recurrent (has returned after previous treatment) HNSCC
  • for use during and after surgery to treat resectable (can be removed by surgery), locally advanced (has begun spreading beyond the original site) HNSCC that tests positive for the PD-L1 protein; for this use, Keytruda Qlex can be prescribed alone, in combination with radiation therapy, or in combination with the chemotherapy medication cisplatin

Note: Your oncologist can provide more information on the test for PD-L1 protein they’ll use to determine if Keytruda Qlex is an appropriate treatment for you.

Keytruda Qlex for colorectal (colon) cancer

Keytruda Qlex is approved to treat colorectal (colon) cancer in adults. This type of cancer begins in the colon or rectum, and is caused by cells growing and dividing uncontrollably.

Keytruda Qlex is prescribed for adults to treat unresectable (cannot be removed by surgery) or metastatic (has spread to other body areas) colorectal cancer with certain genetic changes as determined by a test. These genetic changes make the cancer more susceptible to treatment with Keytruda Qlex.

Note: Your oncologist can provide more information on the test they’ll use to determine if Keytruda Qlex is an appropriate treatment for you.

Keytruda Qlex for gastric (stomach) cancer

Keytruda Qlex is approved to treat gastric (stomach) cancer in adults. This type of cancer begins within cells lining the stomach. If the cancer occurs where the stomach and esophagus meet, it’s referred to as gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) cancer.

For this use, Keytruda Qlex is prescribed along with other medications to adults to treat gastric cancer in the following situations:

  • in combination with the medications trastuzumab, fluoropyrimidine, and platinum-based chemotherapy, as a first treatment for locally advanced unresectable (cannot be removed by surgery and has begun spreading beyond the original tumor site) or metastatic (has spread to other body areas), HER2-positive gastric or GEJ cancer that expresses the PD-L1 protein as determined by a test*.
  • in combination with fluoropyrimidine and platinum-based chemotherapy, as a first treatment for locally advanced unresectable (cannot be removed by surgery and has begun spreading beyond the original tumor site) or metastatic (has spread to other body areas), HER2-negative gastric or GEJ cancer that expresses the PD-L1 protein as determined by a test.

Note: Your oncologist can provide more information on the test for PD-L1 protein they’ll use to determine if Keytruda Qlex is an appropriate treatment for you.

Keytruda Qlex for esophageal cancer

Keytruda Qlex is approved to treat esophageal cancer in adults. This type of cancer develops in the esophagus, the tube that helps move food from your throat to your stomach. If the cancer occurs where the stomach and esophagus meet, it’s referred to as gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) cancer.

Keytruda Qlex is prescribed to adults to treat esophageal or GEJ cancer that is locally advanced or metastatic and cannot be treated with surgery in the following situations:

  • prescribed on its own following treatment with at least one systemic (whole body) treatment, when the cancer expresses the PD-L1 protein as determined by a test and began in squamous cells
  • prescribed in combination with the drug fluoropyrimidine and platinum-based chemotherapy when the cancer expresses the PD-L1 protein as determined by a test.

Note: Your oncologist can provide more information on the test for PD-L1 protein they’ll use to determine if Keytruda Qlex is an appropriate treatment for you.

Keytruda Qlex for biliary tract cancer

Keytruda Qlex is approved to treat biliary tract cancer. The biliary tract refers to your gallbladder as well as the bile ducts used to transport bile.

Keytruda Qlex is prescribed to adults in combination with the medications cisplatin and gemcitabine to treat biliary tract cancer that is locally advanced and unresectable (meaning it cannot be removed by surgery and has begun spreading beyond the original tumor site) or metastatic (has spread to other body areas).

Keytruda Qlex for solid tumors with certain genetic changes

Keytruda Qlex is approved to treat solid tumors with certain genetic changes, including:

  • microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) solid tumors
  • mismatch repair deficient (dMMR) solid tumors
  • tumor mutational burden-high (TMB-H) solid tumors

These tumors have certain genetic features which increase the likelihood that they’ll respond to treatment with Keytruda Qlex. This is determined using a test your oncologist will order. Your oncologist can provide more information on the test they’ll use to determine if Keytruda Qlex is an appropriate treatment for you.

For this use, Keytruda Qlex is prescribed to adults as well as children ages 12 years and older when the tumor meets the following criteria:

  • is unresectable (cannot be removed through surgery) or metastatic (has spread to other body areas)
  • has worsened despite prior treatment
  • has no other alternative treatment options

Like most drugs, Keytruda Qlex may cause mild to serious side effects. The following lists contain some of the more common side effects Keytruda Qlex may cause, but they don’t include all possible side effects.

Keep in mind that side effects of a drug can depend on:

  • your age
  • other health conditions you have
  • other medications you take

In addition, Keytruda’s side effects can vary depending on whether it’s prescribed on its own or with other medications.

Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you more about the potential side effects of Keytruda Qlex. They can also suggest ways to help reduce side effects.

Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. Sharing your experience helps make medications safer for everyone by giving doctors and researchers more information about how the drug works in real life. If you develop a side effect while taking Keytruda Qlex and want to tell the FDA about it, visit MedWatch or call 800-FDA-1088.

Mild side effects

Here’s a list of some of the mild side effects that Keytruda Qlex can cause. To learn about other mild side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist, or read Keytruda Qlex’s prescribing information.

Mild side effects of Keytruda Qlex that have been reported when its used on its own include:

Mild side effects of Keytruda Qlex that have been reported when its used in combination with other medications include:

  • nausea and vomiting
  • fatigue (low energy)
  • pain in your muscles, joints, bones, or abdomen
  • diarrhea
  • constipation
  • hair loss
  • appetite loss
  • a feeling of numbness or tingling in your arms or legs
  • cough
  • shortness of breath

Mild side effects of many drugs may go away within a few days to a couple of weeks. But if they become bothersome, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects from Keytruda Qlex can occur, but they aren’t common. If you have serious side effects from Keytruda Qlex, call your doctor right away. If you think you’re having a medical emergency, you should call 911 or your local emergency number.

Serious side effects of Keytruda Qlex that have been reported include:

Side effects in children

Keytruda Qlex is prescribed to children ages 12 years and older to treat certain solid tumors and skin cancers.

For the most part, Keytruda Qlex side effects in children are similar to those in adults described above. However, certain side effects have been reported more frequently in children compared to adults. Examples include fever, vomiting, and headache.

Talk with your child’s oncologist if you have questions about potential Keytruda Qlex side effects in children.

Allergic reaction

For some people, Keytruda Qlex can cause an allergic reaction.

In general, symptoms of an allergic reaction can be mild or serious.

What might help

If you have mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may suggest a treatment to manage your symptoms and can determine whether you should continue Keytruda Qlex treatment.

If you have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling or difficulty breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms could be life threatening and require immediate medical care.

If your doctor confirms you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to Keytruda Qlex, they may have you switch to a different treatment.

The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. However, your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

Form and strengths

Keytruda Qlex comes as a liquid solution that’s given as an injection under your skin. It’s available in two strengths:

  • 395 milligrams (mg) of pembrolizumab and 4,800 units of berahyaluronidase alfa per 2.4 milliliters (mL) of solution
  • 790 mg of pembrolizumab/9,600 units of berahyaluronidase alfa per 4.8 mL of solution

Recommended dosages

Your doctor will prescribe the dosage of Keytruda Qlex that’s right for you. Keep reading to learn more.

Dosage for certain cancers

Keytruda Qlex is prescribed for treating numerous types of cancer. To see a full list of cancers the drug is approved to treat, see the “Keytruda Qlex uses” section.

Recommended Keytruda Qlex dosages are the same regardless of the type of cancer it’s prescribed to treat. The typical prescribed dosages are one of the following:

  • 395 mg of pembrolizumab and 4,800 units of berahyaluronidase alfa given once every 3 weeks, or
  • 790 mg/9,600 units given every 6 weeks

To learn more about dosages for Keytruda Qlex, talk with your oncologist or pharmacist.

Children’s dosage

Keytruda Qlex is approved for treating certain solid tumors and skin cancers in children ages 12 years and older.

For children age 12 years or older who weigh more than 40 kilograms (kg), the recommended Keytruda Qlex dosages are the same as those described above for adults. (40 kg is equal to about 88 pounds or lbs.) See “Dosage for certain cancers” to learn more.

Currently, there aren’t manufacturer-recommended Keytruda Qlex dosages for children age 12 years or older who weigh 40 kg or less.

Talk with your child’s oncologist if you have questions about your child’s Keytruda Qlex dosage.

How it’s given

Your doctor will explain how Keytruda Qlex will be given to you. They’ll also explain how much you’ll be given and how often.

Keytruda Qlex is available as a liquid solution that’s given as an injection under your skin. You’ll receive these injections at a clinic or your doctor’s office. They’ll inject the drug under the skin of your abdomen or thigh.

About receiving Keytruda Qlex

The following are some common questions about taking/using Keytruda Qlex.

  • What if I miss a dose of Keytruda Qlex? If you miss an appointment to receive an injection of Keytruda Qlex, call your doctor’s office as soon as possible to reschedule.
  • Will I need to use Keytruda Qlex long term? Keytruda Qlex is typically used until the cancer worsens or you develop intolerable side effects from treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely use it long term.
  • How long does Keytruda Qlex take to work? Keytruda Qlex begins to work after you take your first dose. But you likely won’t feel the drug working in your body. Your doctor will order tests throughout your treatment to check whether Keytruda Qlex is working to treat your condition.

Keytruda Qlex is not known to interact with other medications, herbs, supplements, foods, or alcohol. The manufacturer did not list any interactions in the drug’s prescribing information.

Before starting Keytruda Qlex treatment, talk with your doctor and pharmacist. Tell them about all prescription, over-the-counter, and other drugs you take. Also, tell them about any vitamins, herbs, and supplements you take. Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions.

If you have questions about interactions that may affect you, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Whether you have health insurance or not, cost may be a factor when you’re considering Keytruda Qlex. What you’ll pay for Keytruda Qlex may depend on several things, such as your treatment plan and the cost to receive injections at your doctor’s office or clinic.

Here are a few things to consider regarding cost:

  • Savings program: If you have questions about how to pay for your prescription, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. A program called The Merck Access Program may also be available. You can learn more by calling 1-855-257-3932 or by visiting the program website.

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The following is important information to consider and discuss with your doctor or pharmacist before taking/using Keytruda Qlex.

Pregnancy and Keytruda Qlex

Keytruda Qlex may cause harm if used during pregnancy. If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor before using this drug. Your doctor may suggest birth control options to use during treatment with Keytruda Qlex.

Birth control and Keytruda Qlex

It’s not known whether Keytruda Qlex is safe to take during pregnancy, but it’s believed it may cause harm based on how the drug works. Therefore, if you’re sexually active and you or your partner can become pregnant, talk with your doctor about your birth control options while you’re using Keytruda Qlex.

Note: The use of binary terms such as “male” and “female” or “men” and “women” in this article reflects the language of the sources we’ve used. Unless otherwise noted, it’s unclear whether the research we reference included participants with expansive gender identities.

For females using Keytruda Qlex

If you’re able to become pregnant, your doctor may recommend using a form of birth control during your Keytruda Qlex treatment. They’ll likely recommend that you use it throughout your treatment. You may also need to continue taking birth control for at least four months after your Keytruda Qlex treatment ends.

Keytruda Qlex and breastfeeding

Keytruda Qlex should not be used while breastfeeding, or for at least four months following your last dose. If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor about your options.

Before taking Keytruda Qlex, discuss your health history with your doctor. Keytruda Qlex may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health. Be sure to talk with your doctor if any of the following apply to you:

Note: For more information about the potential negative effects of Keytruda Qlex, see the “Side effects of Keytruda Qlex” section.

Other drugs are available that can treat your condition. If you’d like to explore an alternative to Keytruda Qlex, talk with your doctor. They can tell you about other medications that might work well for you.

The following drugs are similar to Keytruda Qlex:

  • other subcutaneous immunotherapy injections, such as:
    • atezolizumab/hyaluronidase (Tecentriq Hybreza)
    • nivolumab/hyaluronidase (Opdivo Qvantig)
  • other immunotherapies, such as:

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.